The beginning of the second millennium will probably be remembered by music critics for the realization that soul lent itself to be pushed in new, more or less experimental directions. In the early aughts, a genre that was frowned upon by the tense and brainy children of the post-punk generation was given a new "indie legitimacy" by acts like TV on the Radio, Dirty Projector and Ava Luna. NYC collective Space Captain, the brainchild of Maralisa Simmons-Cook, is part of this wave, although within less noisy coordinates than the aforementioned bands. Born in 2015 as a rather traditional soul-jazz group (this is their debut EP), in a few months the band quickly evolved into a rather different animal: 2016's "In Memory" EP shows edgy electronic arrangements focused on textural and ambient soundscapes. The band is about to release their debut full length "All Flowers In Time," and the record's two preview singles showcase a partial return to the live instrumentation of the debut, without losing the edge of unexpected melodies, parts and song changes found in "In Memory." Check out the video for Sycamore below, and don't miss the band's record release party at Union Pool on October 27th.

Music writers and listeners alike seem resourceful enough to box every band that pops up nowadays. With new albums covered within hours, and decades of classics catalogued by those born decades after their release, there is a steady source of opinion on the internet. Space Captain defies these assessments. With a sound ranging from psych to hip hop to electronica, they stand their own ground. On their two most recent singles, "Two" from 2016, and "Sycamore" from 2017, they recreate seductively complex tunes that constantly keep you guessing. At times, they bring up other experimental, female-lead sounds coming from Chicago-based rapper Noname or German producer Moglii, or just most of what's been on NPR's Tiny Desk in 2017. Still, Space Captain's music carries a energy and originality that deserves listening to. Check out their Bandcamp or see them at Baby's All Right on September 8th. -Allie Miller

After a super successful first night, and an allstar line-up, Deli NYC sponsored event The Hum returns for its second week at beautifully intimate Greenpoint venue Manhattan Inn. For those just tuning in now, the month-long residency, presented by Hypnocraft, is aimed at spotlighting female musicians across a wide variety of genres, and inspires unexpected collaborations. Monday night's line up promises to be atmospheric and experimental, including musicians from Space Captain, Iris Lune, and MADEIRA. Check below for the full, three-set listing, and be sure to catch next week's show at 8pm on October 10, and the following two on the remaining Mondays in October. - Olivia Sisinni

The Deli Magazine was born in NYC's Attorney Street in 2004, in the shape of a print issue with a then unknown band on its cover, called Grizzly Bear. Ths NYC blog came in 2005, then the SF one in 2006, and then 9 more in the following years. The Deli is focused on the coverage of emerging bands and solo artists with a 100% local focus - no exceptions!